Executive Power and Court Battles

D.C. Circuit blocks EPA from canceling $20B in climate grants, reaffirming Congress controls appropriations—major separation-of-powers win. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Miller outlines new executive orders on birthright citizenship after Supreme Court setback, targeting foreign lobbyists' children and birth tourism. Appeals court also blocks Trump's $400M White House ballroom project, citing lack of congressional approval—new reporting shows total project cost nearly $1B, with corporate donors receiving $50B+ in contracts. White House proposes regulation to politicize federal research grants, tying them to presidential priorities—raises scientific integrity concerns. Will Scharf appointed White House counsel, signaling legal strategy focus ahead of potential Democratic investigations. New: Trump signs executive order on vaccine spacing, doubling down on autism link despite scientific consensus, aligning with MAHA agenda; Gold Standard Vaccine Schedule EO faces state resistance and legal battle with AAP. Federal court blocks USPS from implementing mail voting executive order; Supreme Court emergency request pending. Massachusetts federal judge tosses DOJ antisemitism lawsuit against Harvard, ruling alleged incidents 'too isolated and episodic'—check on administration's civil rights enforcement. Trump memo authorizes private tech companies to conduct offensive cyber operations against foreign criminal gangs, with DOJ/DHS oversight—major expansion of private sector role in national security. DOJ issues opinion extending executive privilege to outside advisers, bracing for Democratic oversight. New drone tariffs announced as retaliation for China's export reviews. Ongoing: Rogoff lawsuit, grant politicization, challenges to executive authority over trade and immigration.